Are gas prices keeping you closer to home? Why not be a Tourist for a Day in Steubenville and Jefferson County, though you may need several days to include all the events and attractions!
May signals the opening of the 15th Annual Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series on Memorial Day. Eleven concerts celebrate the joy of free, live entertainment by a varied roster of musicians and performers in the Berkman Amphitheater in Fort Steuben Park. The audience members have a choice of bleacher or blanket seating with a great view of the Ohio River flowing behind the stage. Food and drink vendors and a general spirit of congeniality make these Thursday evening concerts a popular community event. The Amphitheater will also be the site for a Gospel Concert on June 5th and the city’s Independence Day Celebration with music & fireworks on July 4th.
Steubenville will celebrate its birthday and its ethnic and historic heritage in June with Celebrate Steubenville: 225 (June 12-July 24), the Greek Mini Food Festival (June 16-17) the Dean Martin Hometown Celebration (June 17-18), and a Community Juneteenth Celebration (June 17-20). There will be a variety of foods, music, exhibits, and activities that draws participants from all over the country.
Among the attractions that are open this summer is Historic Fort Steuben and the First Federal Land Office in downtown Steubenville. The reconstructed 18th century military fort is an opportunity to immerse yourself in history…to experience the hardships of life on the Ohio frontier. A celebration of early American skills, endurance, and culture will be held at Ohio Valley Frontier Days, August 6-7 at the Fort with soldier, settler, surveyor, and Native American reenactors and volunteers. The Battalion of the American Revolution will present demonstrations and programs. Ohio singer/songwriter Steve Free will be among the entertainers at this year’s festival. Food, crafts, music and more make this an annual favorite in Steubenville.
The Jefferson County Historical Museum on Franklin Avenue in Steubenville is a 19-room showcase for the beautiful furnishings and historical artifacts of the past two centuries. The Dean Martin Room, the Presidents’ Room, the Riverboat Room and more are open for viewing between March and November: Wednesday –Thursday, 10 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
For more history, a 20-minute drive from Steubenville is Historic Mount Pleasant, a village on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the abolition of slavery in the 19th century. A yearly tour and celebration is held the first weekend in August.
For an evening of lively music, art displays, and unique games and activities, don’t miss First Fridays on Fourth. This monthly celebration of the arts fills the streets and sidewalks in downtown Steubenville with performers, food, vendors, families, and visitors from all around the region. Each month features a special theme, and you never know what kind of costumed folk you’ll meet as you stroll down the street. June 3 has a medieval flavor for Ye Olde First Friday; flags and patriotic music will be out on July 1; big hair and fun music for Eighties Night on August 5; characters from your favorite storybooks will be out for September 2nd; and enjoy a pumpkin spiced Fall Festival on October 7. The events are free and run from 6-10pm on Fourth Street in Steubenville.
If Fridays don’t work for you, stop in at Wednesdays in Wintersville in Jefferson County. Every first Wednesday from 4:30-8:30 sees a mix of vendors including crafters, candles, home accessories, and gifts all along the community’s Main Street. They have several sweets and confectionery vendors selling delicious desserts as well as a local Farmers Market. Food offerings include hot dogs, pizza, BBQ and other concessions.
Steubenville is also known as “The City of Murals,” with 24 larger-than-life depictions of people and events from local and American history painted on walls throughout the downtown. You can get a Mural Map & Art Hunt at the Visitor Center to find all the murals. While strolling downtown check out the unique shops along N. 4th Street and the Antique Warehouse with three floors of treasures and memorabilia to browse through.
As spring is in full bloom, celebrate the beauty and wonders of nature in historic Beatty Park in Steubenville. The park has nature and hiking trails and disc golf. A special addition is the StoryWalk in the Park: pages of a children’s book are enlarged and placed along a trail. When the walkers come to the end they can get a special gift at the local library. The book changes each month and is a delight for all ages.
Find out about these and other events as well as the many dining, shopping, and lodging options by calling 866.301.1787 or visiting www.VisitSteubenville.com.